Preparing to meet with a divorce attorney and talking about your divorce with them can feel stressful and overwhelming. Although you should not put a lot of pressure on yourself for this first consultation, bringing some helpful paperwork can provide a clear overview of your financial and personal situation.
Along with bringing personal identification such as a government-issued identification card (e.g., passport or driver’s license), prepare for your initial meeting with copies of other important documents.
Financial documents
You should bring copies of all your financial documents, such as pay stubs, bank statements, investment account statements, credit card statements, income tax returns and loan information. Secure copies of your spouse’s financial documents, too, if possible.
Property documents
Bring any documents related to any real estate or personal property you and your spouse own. This can include property deeds, refinancing documents, titles to vehicles, mortgage documents and other valuable assets.
Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements
If you and your soon-to-be ex signed a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, bring a copy to your meeting. These agreements often outline the terms of spousal support and property division in the event of divorce. The lawyer will need to review the contract to ensure its enforceability.
Child-related documents
If you have children, gather any documents related to them. Bring the divorce lawyer your children’s birth certificates, school and medical records. You may also need to provide initial information about your wishes for child custody, visitation and child support. This information will help your attorney and the court determine a course of action in your children’s best interest.
By providing your lawyer with all this necessary information, you can help them understand your situation and ease the divorce process.